Toronto Seeks Public Input on New Renovictions Bylaw

August 28, 2024 Kelly

Toronto — In response to the increasing prevalence of “renovictions,” the City of Toronto is taking steps to protect renters from unlawful evictions during building renovations. The City is developing a new bylaw that could require landlords to justify evictions and offer compensation to tenants, aiming to curb the loss of affordable housing and rising homelessness.

The bylaw, modeled after successful initiatives in other Canadian cities, is a direct response to concerns over landlords exploiting renovation needs to evict tenants, subsequently raising rents or permanently displacing them. This practice has gained traction in Toronto, where housing affordability remains a critical issue.

Background and Development

In June, Toronto City Council mandated city staff to draft the renovictions bylaw. The bylaw, if approved, would impose stricter regulations on landlords, including the requirement to apply for a renovation licence. Landlords would need to submit a detailed report justifying the need for vacant possession and propose a tenant accommodation plan or compensation. These measures are designed to deter landlords from exploiting renovation requirements as a pretext for eviction.

Additionally, the City is lobbying the Province of Ontario to enhance tenant protections by enacting Bill 97, which includes provisions to strengthen rent controls, a key element in maintaining affordable housing stock.

Toronto residents invited to provide feedback that will help shape new renovictions bylaw

News release: https://t.co/6BS1IvYxB1 pic.twitter.com/ffBdZGvgyt

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) August 28, 2024

Public Consultation

The City is seeking public input to ensure the bylaw addresses the needs and concerns of Toronto residents. Throughout September, the City will host a series of consultations, both online and in-person. These consultations are intended to provide a platform for tenants, landlords, and housing advocates to share their perspectives on the proposed regulations.

Residents can participate in the following ways:

Online Survey: Available until September 30 on the City of Toronto’s website, the survey invites residents to share their views on the proposed bylaw and suggest improvements.
Drop-In Sessions: A series of in-person and virtual meetings will be held across Toronto, with specific dates and locations detailed on the City’s website.

Implications and Next Steps

The introduction of this bylaw could mark a significant shift in Toronto’s approach to rental housing regulation, particularly at a time when affordable housing is at the forefront of public policy discussions. Advocates hope that the bylaw will not only protect tenants from unfair evictions but also preserve the city’s limited affordable housing.

City staff will compile the feedback from the consultations and present a final draft of the bylaw to Toronto City Council later this year. If passed, the bylaw could set a precedent for other municipalities grappling with similar issues.

For more information on the proposed bylaw and to participate in the consultation process, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Toronto’s official website.